A Navy Blue Outlook Beckons | Thebigtip

Not since 2001 have the Carlton Blues won a final, nor played in a final in front of a Melbourne crowd, but 2011 is shaping up to be the year that will break the shackles for the Bluebaggers.

At times in 2010, the AFL world saw Carlton as a team that could push for a top four spot mid-season, but inconsistency, basic skill errors and line-up issues had the Blues just creep into the top eight and go down in a thrilling Elimination Final against the Sydney Swans. It won't be clear whether the consistency issues will have subsided until the upcoming season gets underway, but excellent training results and a solid trade and draft period so far gives a firm indication that the top four spot that spectators were talking about back in July could be on the cards for the budding Blues.

With the departure of Brendan Fevola over a year ago, Carlton were forced to reshape their forward structure. Lachlan Henderson and Setanta O'hAilpin proved to be handy along with the three small forwards in Chris Yarran, Eddie Betts and Jeff Garlett but all five forwards struggled to find form at one time or another due to playing different roles to the previous season. Another year under their belts working with the new structure and the inclusion of a solid forward prospect in Luke Mitchell could lead to great things in 2011.

The defensive issues were also strongly worked on with four new defenders added to the list, including mature-aged rookie Nicholas Duigan who will act as a wild card in the next season.

The Gold Coast Suns aside, North Melbourne, West Coast and Carlton had brilliant drafts in terms of getting what they needed at basement bargain picks.

In a season that promises to see the rise and fall of a number of teams, the Blues could find themselves licking their lips in the top four in 2011.

Thoughts?